Egypt Visa on Arrival
Information on the Egyptian VOA airport system
Last updated: June 2025
Many travelers can now apply for an e-Visa for Egypt in advance, rather than visiting an embassy or getting a visa on arrival.
Nonetheless, it’s still possible to apply for your visa on arrival in some cases.
On this page, you can find information on who is eligible for the Egypt visa on arrival and how to get one. We’ll also explain how this process compares to getting an e-Visa in advance with Egypt Visas Pro.
Can I Get a Visa on Arrival in Egypt?
You can get a visa on arrival (VOA) if you hold a passport from an eligible country and meet Egypt’s entry conditions.
UK and EU citizens, along with Japanese, Australian, and U.S. passport holders, are amongst the nationalities able to apply for a visa on arrival.
Nationals of more than 80 other countries are also eligible:
- Albania*
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina*
- Armenia*
- Azerbaijan*
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia*
- Brazil*
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Canada*
- Chile*
- China*
- Colombia*
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador*
- El Salvador
- Fiji
- Georgia*
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Iceland*
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan*
- Kiribati
- Laos
- Liechtenstein
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mexico*
- Micronesia
- Monaco*
- Mongolia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- New Zealand*
- Nicaragua
- North Korea
- North Macedonia*
- Norway*
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay*
- Peru*
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino*
- São Tomé and Principe
- Saudi Arabia*
- Serbia*
- Seychelles
- Singapore*
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa*
- South Korea*
- South Sudan
- Suriname
- Taiwan*
- Taiwan*
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turkey
- Tuvalu
- Ukraine*
- Uruguay*
- Vanuatu
- Vatican City*
- Venezuela*
*Citizens eligible for both the e-Visa and the visa on arrival
Check Egypt’s visa and entry requirements for your nationality before you travel. If you’re not eligible for an Egypt VOA or e-Visa, you’ll have to visit an embassy or consulate to get your visa before you travel.
Documents Required for an Egypt Visa on Arrival
To get your visa on arrival, you’ll need to show a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity.
Citizens of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Portugal, can travel to Egypt and get a visa on arrival with their national identity card, instead of a passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive.
If you’re traveling with your ID card, you’ll need to provide passport-style photographs.
If you choose to apply for the e-Visa with Egypt Visas Pro, there’s no need to carry photographs when you travel. Simply upload a photo of the biodata page of your passport when you fill in your application, and Egypt Visas Pro will help make sure it meets requirements.
Once approved, you’ll only need to carry:
- A printed copy of your e-Visa
- Your passport or ID card.
How to Get a Visa on Arrival for Egypt
If you arrive in Egypt without a visa, you’ll have to wait in line to make your application at the visa desk.
You must pay the US $25 fee in cash, in either GBP, EUR, or USD. It’s advisable to carry the exact amount, as change may not be available. It’s not possible to pay by credit or debit card.
Once granted, the visa on arrival allows foreign visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. It’s a single entry visa, meaning you cannot leave and re-enter with the same visa.
To get a multiple entry visa, you’ll need to apply online before you travel.
How to get a visa on arrival in Egypt: Step-by-step
Here is a step-by-step guide to getting your visa once you arrive:
- Go to the visa counter: Upon arrival at your Egyptian airport or port of entry, head directly to the designated visa counter.
- Present your documents: Provide your passport (with at least six months’ validity), passport-style photographs (if traveling on an ID card), and any other required documents.
- Pay the visa fee: Make the payment of $25 USD in cash. It’s best to have the exact amount in USD, EUR, or GBP, as change may not be available, and card payments are not accepted.
- Wait for processing: Processing times vary, so expect a short wait before receiving your visa.
For a faster, more convenient option, consider applying in advance with Egypt Visas Pro—skip the queues and travel with peace of mind knowing your visa is already approved.
Egypt Visas Pro has over 8 years of experience in visa processing. Our experts know the most common errors to look out for, and will make sure your application is perfect before it’s submitted.
There are a number of benefits to getting your e-Visa for Egypt online in advance:
-
Travel with peace of mind
Your e-Visa has already been processed and approved.
-
Save time on arrival
There’s no need to wait in visa application lines in the arrivals hall.
-
Suited to all types of trips
You can enter Egypt with your e-Visa at all land, air and seaports.
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Greater convenience
You can pay for your e-Visa online by credit or debit card.
-
Visit again with no extra paperwork
Opt for a multiple-entry e-Visa to re-enter Egypt within 6 months.
Where Can I Get the Visa on Arrival in Egypt?
You can apply for a visa at several of the country’s key airports, including:
- Cairo International Airport (CAI)
- Hurghada International Airport (HRG)
- Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
- Luxor International Airport (LXR)
The visa on arrival is not available at all border crossings, and facilities vary between entry point locations. Check that the visa on arrival is available at your intended point of entry to Egypt before you travel.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to apply for your e-Visa in advance, as it can be used to enter the country at all types of border crossing.
Top Tip:If you're having trouble communicating at the airport, try asking for a Visa on Arrival in Arabic: "تأشيرة عند الوصول"(ta'shira 'ind al wusul)
New e-Visa Kiosks at Egyptian Airports Starting June 2025
From mid-June 2025, Egypt will introduce self-service kiosks for emergency e-Visas on arrival, starting at Cairo International Airport. This new digital system lets eligible travelers apply and pay via kiosks or a mobile app
It uses QR codes, and supports travelers from the same 78 countries eligible for the standard e-Visa.
If successful, the system will expand to other major airports like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
Advantages of the Egypt e-Visa compared to the VOA
| e-Visa with Egypt Visas Pro | Visa on Arrival | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Payable online by card, with an additional service fee for processing, separate from the government fee. | US$ 25, payable in cash only |
| Processing time | Approved in advance; no wait upon arrival | Processed at the airport; may require waiting in line |
| Entry ports | Valid at all land, air, and sea ports | Typically only available at major Egyptian airports |
| Payment convenience | Online payment with credit or debit card | Cash only; exact amount in USD, EUR, or GBP recommended |
| Multiple entries | Multiple-entry option available for re-entry within 6 months | Single-entry visa; re-entry requires a new application |
| Length of stay | Up to 30 days per entry | Up to 30 days |
| Extension possible | No, must exit and reapply | No, must exit and reapply |
| Where available | Apply online before travel | Available at major Egyptian airports |
| Peace of mind | Visa pre-approved, travel with confidence | Risk of potential delays or complications at arrival |
| Paperwork requirements | No extra photos required; digital submission of documents | Must bring required documents and photos if using ID card |
Presenting a valid passport and paying the visa on arrival fee is no guarantee of entry. The final decision on granting your visa rests with Egyptian authorities, and visas on arrival may be denied due to a number of factors.
With Egypt Visas Pro, you can make your e-Visa application as soon as you’ve arranged your trip. We’ll double-check your details for any errors and then submit your form at the right time.
FAQs on Egypt’s Visa on Arrival
Can you buy a visa for Egypt at the airport? Toggle faqs
Most international airports in Egypt offer the visa on arrival for eligible foreign visitors.
This includes popular flight destinations, like Cairo, Hurghada, and Borg el Arab International Airport (HBE) in Alexandria.
Although commonly available at key airports, the visa on arrival is not available at all points of entry.
If you’re planning to enter Egypt at a land border or seaport, check the visa on arrival facilities at your planned entry point before you travel.
Can I pay for an Egypt visa on arrival at the airport with Euros? Toggle faqs
You have to pay the visa on arrival fee in cash. Though USD are preferred, it is usually possible to pay with EUR or GBP.
You cannot pay the visa on arrival fee by card. For convenience, and to avoid changing currency, pay for an e-Visa in advance.Egypt Visas Pro accepts all major debit and credit cards.
What does the Egypt visa at the airport cost? Toggle faqs
The visa on arrival fee is US $25. It’s advisable to bring the exact amount, as change is not always available. Remember, you must pay in cash.
Does Hurghada airport have visa on arrival facilities? Toggle faqs
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) offers visa on arrival services for travelers who meet the requirements. You’ll need to visit the visa on arrival desks when you land at the airport.
If you successfully obtain a visa on arrival, you’ll be able to pass through final security and border checks to leave the airport.
Has the Egypt visa on arrival been suspended? Toggle faqs
Egyptian authorities still issue visas on arrival for eligible travelers. The system has not been replaced by the e-Visa online process.
The e-Visa is available as a more convenient alternative for visitors who wish to get their visa approved in advance.
Is it possible to obtain the visa on arrival by land? Toggle faqs
The visa on arrival is primarily available at international airports in Egypt. Travelers entering by land may not have access to visa on arrival services at all border crossings. It’s recommended to check the entry requirements for your specific land crossing before travel or consider applying for an e-Visa, which can be used at all entry points.
What is the validity of the visa on arrival? Toggle faqs
The Egypt visa on arrival is valid for a single entry and permits a stay of up to 30 days. For travelers who plan to leave and re-enter Egypt within six months, applying for a multiple-entry e-Visa in advance may offer more flexibility.
Do I need to show proof of sufficient funds for the stay? Toggle faqs
Egyptian authorities do not typically require travelers to present proof of funds for a visa on arrival. However, it’s advisable to carry proof of accommodation and a return or onward ticket, as these may be requested during the entry process.
What is the waiting time to obtain the visa on arrival? Toggle faqs
Processing times for the visa on arrival can vary depending on airport traffic, but it generally requires waiting in line at the visa desk. To save time and avoid potential delays, travelers can apply for an e-Visa in advance, allowing for a smoother arrival experience.
What should travelers with children know about the visa on arrival? Toggle faqs
Each child needs their own visa and passport valid for at least 6 months. The $25 fee applies per child and must be paid in cash. Entry with ID cards is not allowed for minors. To avoid long waits at the airport, families are advised to apply for the e-Visa in advance.